Family planning in Jordan: 1983 survey data

Abstract

Data from the 1983 fertility survey in Jordan indicate that 26 percent of married women were using contraceptives, reflecting a very small relative increase in use in the seven years before the survey. Only 5 percent of nonusers stated that they desired to use a method. Other data from the same survey suggest a potential demand for contraception, for spacing as well as limiting births, among those not using. For example, many recent pregnancies were reported to be unplanned. Also, among nonusers who did not desire to use a method, many stated they did not desire to become pregnant, yet were exposed to the risk of pregnancy. A pool of potential users exists who can be considered in need of contraception (i.e., fecund, not pregnant or desiring pregnancy, and not using contraceptives)--20 percent of all currently married, childbearing-age women--who may become contraceptive users as attitudes toward contraception change.

PIP: The 1983 Jordan Fertility and Family Health Survey (JFFHS) utilized a sample of 6,068 housing units. Interviewing took place between August and October 1983. A total of 3939 individual interviews was obtained. The individual questionnaire was addressed to ever-married women aged 15-49, for information on a number of subjects, including health and immunization status of children, symptoms exhibited by children who had died, infant feeding practices, use of maternal and child health services, family planning, and a complete birth history. 26% of married women were using contraceptives, reflecting a very small relative increase in use in the 7 years before the survey. Only 5% of nonusers stated that they desired to use a method. Other data from the same survey suggest a potential demand for contraception, for spacing as well as limiting births, among those not using contraceptives. Many recent pregnancies were reported to be unplanned. Among nonusers who did not desire to use a method, many stated they did not desire to become pregnant, yet were exposed to the risk of pregnancy. A pool of potential users exists who can be considered in need of contraception--20% of all currently married, childbearing-age women--who may become contraceptive users as attitudes toward contraception change. For the most part, contraceptive supplies and services are not obtained from government or other public programs in Jordan. Most users receive supplies and services from private physicians, pharmacies, or rely on methods such as rhythm or withdrawal. Contraception is available in public hospitals, but is not actively promoted. Jordan's very short birth intervals apparently result from modest levels of both contraceptive use and breastfeeding.